U.S. patent application number 15/164863 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-01 for apparatus, device, and methods for mixing substances.
The applicant listed for this patent is TITAN MIXER BOTTLE, LLC. Invention is credited to Adan Ali, Fredrick Bowman, Gered Bowman, Mohamed Rage, Lonie Smith.
Application Number | 20160346746 15/164863 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57399580 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160346746 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rage; Mohamed ; et
al. |
December 1, 2016 |
APPARATUS, DEVICE, AND METHODS FOR MIXING SUBSTANCES
Abstract
The subject matter described herein includes apparatus's and
methods for storing and mixing materials such as powders and
liquids. The mixing apparatus can comprise an impeller portion
configured to rotate downward or upward within the main cup,
wherein a movement of the impeller portion downward or upward is
capable of mixing the contained set of substances, wherein the
impeller portion comprises a set of propeller blades, and wherein
the impeller portion is connected to a helical shaft portion
comprising a first helical strand and a second helical strand wound
uniformly in a parallel spiral configuration. The impeller portion
facilitates a distributed mixing of the substances and the
propeller blades are capable of removing deposits of the substance
around the base of a main cup of the apparatus.
Inventors: |
Rage; Mohamed; (Columbus,
OH) ; Bowman; Gered; (Columbus, OH) ; Bowman;
Fredrick; (Columbus, OH) ; Smith; Lonie;
(Columbus, OH) ; Ali; Adan; (Columbus,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TITAN MIXER BOTTLE, LLC |
Columbus |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57399580 |
Appl. No.: |
15/164863 |
Filed: |
May 25, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62166896 |
May 27, 2015 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01F 3/1221 20130101;
B01F 15/00506 20130101; A47G 19/2205 20130101; B01F 13/0022
20130101; B01F 2215/0022 20130101; B01F 15/0223 20130101; A47G
19/2272 20130101; B01F 11/0054 20130101; B65D 1/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B01F 7/16 20060101
B01F007/16; B01F 3/12 20060101 B01F003/12; B01F 15/00 20060101
B01F015/00; A47G 19/22 20060101 A47G019/22; B01F 15/02 20060101
B01F015/02; B65D 43/14 20060101 B65D043/14; B65D 81/32 20060101
B65D081/32; B65D 47/06 20060101 B65D047/06; B01F 7/22 20060101
B01F007/22; B01F 7/00 20060101 B01F007/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a main cup housing portion comprising
main cup base and a main cup top end, wherein the main cup housing
portion is configured to contain a set of substances at a main cup
opening located at the main cup top end; a receptacle portion
configured to store a first subset of substances of the set of
substances, wherein the receptacle portion is capable of
interlocking to the main cup base, and wherein the receptacle
portion comprises a funnel lid portion at a receptacle portion top
end; an impeller portion configured to rotate downward or upward
within the main cup housing portion, wherein a movement of the
impeller portion downward or upward is capable of mixing the
contained set of substances, wherein the impeller portion comprises
a set of propeller blades, and wherein the impeller portion is
connected to a helical shaft portion comprising a first helical
strand and a second helical strand wound uniformly in a parallel
spiral configuration; and a housing lid portion capable of
interlocking to the main cup top to enclose the main cup
opening.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first subset of substances
is a first liquid, a first gas, or a first powdered solid, and
wherein a second subset of substances of the set of substances is a
second liquid, a second gas, or a second solid contained within the
main cup housing portion.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing lid portion
further comprises a drinking lid portion, a carrying clip portion,
and a pump handle, wherein the drinking lid portion is capable of
snapping into a lid opening within the drinking lid portion,
wherein the carrying clip portion is capable of rotating within a
first ring hinge and a second ring hinge corresponding to the carry
clip portion, and wherein the pump handle comprises a first handle
half and a second handle half snapped around a top round peg
portion of the helical shaft.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the receptacle portion further
comprises a first receptacle screw threading and a second
receptacle screw threading that circumscribe the receptacle portion
top end.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the funnel lid portion further
comprises a gradient funnel wall connected to a funnel spout at a
top funnel wall end and connected to a cylindrical base at a bottom
funnel wall, wherein the gradient funnel wall comprises a first
funnel tab and a second funnel tab capable of interlocking with the
main cup base, and wherein the funnel spout is configured to fit
into the lid opening.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the main cup housing portion
further comprises a main cup lip portion, a main cup threading, a
overhanging cylindrical wall portion, a left receiving notch, and a
right receiving notch, wherein the main cup lip portion is located
near the main cup top end below the main cup threading that
circumscribes the main cup above the main cup lip portion, wherein
the overhanging cylindrical wall portion comprises the left
receiving notch and the right receiving notch on a bottom rim of
the cylindrical wall portion, and wherein the left receiving notch
and the right receiving notch are configured to interlock with the
first funnel tab.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the impeller portion further
comprises the set of propeller blades radiating outward from a
central impeller opening configured to receive a bottom shaft end
of the helical shaft, wherein the bottom shaft end comprises a
first snapping prong and a second snapping prong configured to
connect to the central impeller opening using a snapping mechanism,
and wherein the set of propeller blades are sloping at an angle
between a lower impeller rim and an upper impeller rim, and wherein
the set of propeller blades overhang from the lower impeller
rim.
8. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first handle half
comprises a first receiving cavity and a first clasping protrusion
and the second handle half comprises a second receiving cavity and
a second clasping protrusion, wherein the first clasping protrusion
is configured to snap into the second receiving cavity, wherein the
second clasping protrusion is configured to snap into the first
receiving cavity, wherein the first handle half comprises a first
peg cast and the second handle half comprises a second peg cast,
and wherein the first peg cast and the second peg cast are
configured to encapsulate the top round peg portion of the helical
shaft.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing lid portion
comprises a left housing lid hinge hole, a right housing lid hinge
hole, a helically grooved cavity, a drinking lip, a housing lid
opening, and a set of housing lid threading, wherein the left
housing lid hinge hole and the right housing lid hinge hole are
configured to receive a right latch peg and a left latch peg
associated with a carrying clip handle, wherein the helically
grooved cavity is configured to circumscribe the helical stem
portion and facilitate the helical stem portion to move up and down
within the helically grooved cavity, wherein the housing lid
opening is capable of facilitating access to the set of substances
within the main cup housing portion, and wherein the housing lid
threading is located at a housing lid underside and facilitates the
housing lid portion to interlock to the main cup top end via a
screwing mechanism.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a housing lid plug
latch comprising a plug, the left latch peg, the right latch peg, a
left latch groove, and a right latch groove, wherein the plug is
capable of sealing the housing lid opening or exposing the housing
lid opening to facilitate access to the set of substances within
the main cup housing portion, wherein the left latch peg and the
right latch peg are configured to snap into the left housing lid
hinge hole and the right housing lid hinge hole, and wherein the
left latch groove and the right latch groove are configured to
receive a right clip peg and a left clip peg of the carrying clip
handle.
11. A method comprising: pumping a pump handle of an apparatus up
and down within a main cup housing portion, wherein the pump handle
is connected to an impeller portion by a helical shaft, and wherein
the impeller portion comprises a set of angled propeller blades
that overhang beyond a lower rim element of the impeller portion;
and mixing a set of substances within the main cup housing portion
based on the up and down movement of the impeller portion.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising rotating the helical
shaft connected to the impeller portion within a helically grooved
cavity, wherein the helical shaft is connected to the pump handle
by a top round peg portion that freely spins within a first half
peg cast and a second half peg cast of the pump handle.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising dislodging, by the
set of angled propeller blades that overhang beyond the lower rim
element, a first subset of substances of the set of substances from
a set of corners formed at a main cup base and a main cup
cylindrical wall of the main cup housing.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising unscrewing a
receptacle portion connected to a funnel lid portion of the
apparatus from underneath a main cup base.
15. The method of claim 11, further comprising inserting a funnel
element of a funnel lid portion of the apparatus to a lip opening
within a drinking lip portion of the apparatus.
16. The method of claim 11, further comprising unscrewing the
funnel lid portion of the apparatus from the receptacle portion of
the apparatus to facilitate access to a first substance stored in a
receptacle cavity within the receptacle portion.
17. A method comprising; detaching a funnel lid portion of a
receptacle portion of an apparatus using an unscrewing mechanism;
accessing a first powder substance stored within a receptacle
cavity of the receptacle portion of the apparatus; attaching a
funnel element of the detached funnel lid portion to a drinking lip
portion of the apparatus, wherein the drinking lip portion
comprises a drinking opening connected to a main cup housing; and
pouring the first substance stored within the receptacle cavity
into the funnel element, wherein the funnel element transports the
first powder substance into the main cup housing storing a first
liquid substance.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising pulling and pushing
a pump handle connected to an impeller via a helical shaft of the
apparatus, wherein the impeller moves up and down respectively in
association with the pulling and pushing, and wherein the impeller
spins in accordance with a cavity comprising a helical groove that
circumscribes a part of the helical stem causing the helical shaft
connected to the impeller to rotate.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising freely rotating a
top peg portion of the helical shaft within a peg holding casting
of the pump handle, and wherein the pump handle is capable of
remaining in a first position based on the pulling and pushing and
the helical shaft connected to the top peg portion spins within the
cavity comprising a helical groove and the peg holding casting
respectively.
20. The method of claim 18, further comprising mixing the first
powder substance with the first liquid substance within the main
cup housing based on the impeller connected to a set of angled
propeller blades rotating up and down within the main cup housing
in accordance with the pulling and pushing of the pump handle.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/166,896 filed on May 27, 2015, and entitled
"MIXER BOTTLE". The entirety of the aforementioned application is
incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure generally relates to devices and methods for
containing, mixing and evenly dispersing solid particles with a
liquid.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Given the advent of health consciousness in many people,
there for such people to prioritize healthy eating, exercise, and
fitness. As such, people have begun to purchase accessories to
accompany such healthy living. For those individuals that have a
regular fitness regiment, they often make sure to eat properly
prior to exercising and in many instances, such people incorporate
protein and vitamin powders into their diets. These powders are
often mixed with liquids such as water before consumption and as a
convenience the powders and liquids are preferred to be consumed
closer to the time a person exercises.
[0004] Accordingly, people prefer to store the powder and liquid
until the time of consumption and mix the powder and liquid at such
time. Various products that claim to facilitate such storage and
mixing present numerous problems and fail in their efficacy. For
instance, some mixing bottles allege to provide a quality mixing
capability by including a bottle housing with a whisking ball
located at the bottom. After adding a liquid and powder to the
bottle the person is then instructed to shake the bottle causing
the whisking ball to move up and down within the bottle. The
movement of the whisking ball is alleged to properly mix the liquid
and powder together, however, the result is a improperly mixed
substance with clumps stuck to the bottle edges and powder that
fails to distribute throughout the liquid.
[0005] Mixer bottles that claim to provide a mixing capability of
liquids and powders present numerous problems. One such problem is
the lack of a proper mixing mechanism. In the example of the whisk
ball, as the bottle is shaken, the whisk ball merely moves in the
same direction as the flow of the liquid, which is ineffective in
distributing the powder throughout the liquid mixture. Another
problem exists where the bottles lead to clumps that stick to the
edges of the bottle and throughout the liquid medium. Furthermore,
the object intended to mix the powder and liquid fails to interface
with a majority or all of the liquid. For instance, the whisk ball
is smaller than the bottle cavity in order to freely move
throughout the bottle cavity, however, the size differential
results in the whisk ball failing to interface with much of the
liquid including the liquid within the cavity spaces that are
unoccupied by the whisk ball.
[0006] As such, there are numerous problems and inefficiencies
associated with existing mixer bottles. Thus, new devices, systems,
and methods are required to overcome such issues related to the
storage and mixing of substances.
SUMMARY
[0007] The following presents a simplified summary of the
disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some
aspects of the disclosure. This summary is not an extensive of the
disclosure. It is intended to neither identify key or critical
elements of the disclosure nor delineate any scope of the
particular aspects of the disclosure, or any scope of the claims.
Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the specification
in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description
that is presented in this disclosure.
[0008] In accordance with an aspect, an apparatus is disclosed
comprising a main cup housing portion comprising main cup base and
a main cup top end, wherein the main cup housing portion is
configured to contain a set of substances at a main cup opening
located at the main cup top end. Also disclosed is a receptacle
portion configured to store a first subset of substances of the set
of substances, wherein the receptacle portion is capable of
interlocking to the main cup base, and wherein the receptacle
portion comprises a funnel lid portion at a receptacle portion top
end. Furthermore, disclosed is an impeller portion configured to
rotate downward or upward within the main cup housing portion,
wherein a movement of the impeller portion downward or upward is
capable of mixing the contained set of substances, wherein the
impeller portion comprises a set of propeller blades, and wherein
the impeller portion is connected to a helical shaft portion
comprising a first helical strand and a second helical strand wound
uniformly in a parallel spiral configuration. In another aspect,
disclosed is a housing lid portion capable of interlocking to the
main cup top to enclose the main cup opening.
[0009] In another aspect, disclosed is a method comprising
detaching a funnel lid portion of a receptacle portion of an
apparatus using an unscrewing mechanism; accessing a first powder
substance stored within a receptacle cavity of the receptacle
portion of the apparatus; attaching a funnel element of the
detached funnel lid portion to a drinking lip portion of the
apparatus, wherein the drinking lip portion comprises a drinking
opening connected to a main cup housing; and pouring the first
substance stored within the receptacle cavity into the funnel
element, wherein the funnel element transports the first powder
substance into the main cup housing storing a first liquid
substance.
[0010] The following description and the annexed drawings set forth
in detail certain illustrative aspects of this disclosure. These
aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways
in which the principles of this disclosure may be employed. This
disclosure intended to include all such aspects and their
equivalents. Other advantages and distinctive features of this
disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed
description of this disclosure when considered in conjunction with
the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Numerous aspects, embodiments, objects and advantages of the
present invention will be apparent upon consideration of the
following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to
like parts throughout, and in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a non-limiting high-level diagram of an
example apparatus configured to store and mix substances in
accordance with the subject application;
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a non-limiting high-level diagram of a
top view of an example housing lid portion of an example apparatus
in accordance with the subject application;
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a non-limiting high-level diagram of a
bottom receptacle portion of an example apparatus configured to
store substances in accordance with the subject application;
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a non-limiting high-level diagram of a
funnel lid portion of an example apparatus in accordance with the
subject application;
[0016] FIG. 5A illustrates a non-limiting high-level diagram of a
side view of a main housing cup portion of an example apparatus in
accordance with the subject application;
[0017] FIG. 5B illustrates a non-limiting high-level diagram of a
bottom view of a main housing cup portion of an example apparatus
in accordance with the subject application;
[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a non-limiting high-level diagram of a
top view of an angled top view of helical shaft portion and
impeller portion of an example apparatus in accordance with the
subject application;
[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a non-limiting high-level diagram of an
angled top view of an impeller portion of an example apparatus in
accordance with the subject application;
[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a non-limiting high-level diagram of a
side view of helical shaft portion of an example apparatus in
accordance with the subject application;
[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates a non-limiting high-level diagram of an
angled top view of pump handle portion of an example apparatus
configured to store and mix substances in accordance with the
subject application;
[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates a non-limiting high-level diagram of a
side view of first pump handle half portion of an example apparatus
in accordance with the subject application;
[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates a non-limiting high-level diagram of a
side view of second pump handle half portion of an example
apparatus in accordance with the subject application;
[0024] FIG. 12A illustrates a non-limiting high-level diagram of an
angled top view of a housing lid portion of an example apparatus in
accordance with the subject application;
[0025] FIG. 12B illustrates a non-limiting high-level diagram of an
angled bottom view of a housing lid portion of an example apparatus
in accordance with the subject application;
[0026] FIG. 13A illustrates a non-limiting high-level diagram of an
angled top view of a latch portion of an example apparatus in
accordance with the subject application;
[0027] FIG. 13B illustrates a non-limiting high-level diagram of an
angled bottom view of a latch portion of an example apparatus in
accordance with the subject application; and
[0028] FIG. 14 illustrates a non-limiting high-level diagram of a
top view of a clip portion of an example apparatus configured to
store and mix substances in accordance with the subject
application.
[0029] FIG. 15 illustrates a non-limiting high-level block diagram
of an example method 1500 configured to store and mix substances in
accordance with the subject application;
[0030] FIG. 16 illustrates a non-limiting high-level block diagram
of an example method 1600 configured to store and mix substances in
accordance with the subject application;
[0031] FIG. 17 illustrates a non-limiting high-level block diagram
of an example method 1700 configured to store and mix substances in
accordance with the subject application;
[0032] FIG. 18 illustrates a non-limiting high-level block diagram
of an example method 1800 configured to store and mix substances in
accordance with the subject application; and
[0033] FIG. 19 illustrates a non-limiting high-level block diagram
of an example method 1900 configured to store and mix substances in
accordance with the subject application.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] The innovation is described with reference to the drawings,
wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements
throughout. In the following description, for purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of this innovation. It may be
evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without
these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures
and components are shown in block diagram form in order to
facilitate describing the innovation.
[0035] By way of introduction, the subject disclosure is related to
apparatuses and methods for storing and mixing substances. In an
aspect, an apparatus is provided the facilitates the containment of
substances such as liquids, powders, and solids, as well as the
mixing of such substances (e.g., mixing of liquids and powders) in
an efficacious manner. The storing of liquids and powders can be
helpful for a variety of purposes. For instance, a person may
desire to store baby formula powder (e.g., in a receptacle portion
of the apparatus) and water (e.g. in a main cup housing portion)
when travelling outside the house with an infant or toddler. In
another instance, a person may desire to store protein powder
(e.g., in a receptacle portion) and water (e.g., in a main cup
housing portion) for consumption before, during or after
exercising.
[0036] In a non-limiting embodiment, the apparatus can comprise a
main cup housing portion comprising main cup base and a main cup
top end, wherein the main cup housing portion is configured to
contain a set of substances at a main cup opening located at the
main cup top end. In an aspect, the apparatus also comprises a
receptacle portion configured to store a first subset of substances
of the set of substances, wherein the receptacle portion is capable
of interlocking to the main cup base, and wherein the receptacle
portion comprises a funnel lid portion at a receptacle portion top
end.
[0037] Furthermore, in an aspect, an impeller portion is configured
to rotate downward or upward within the main cup using a pump
handle and helical shaft connected to the impeller. The movement of
the impeller portion downward or upward can cause the mixing of a
set of substances contained within the main cup. For instance, the
protein powder stored in a receptacle portion of the apparatus can
be poured into the main cup (e.g., using a funnel that can detach
from the top of the receptacle portion). The main cup can contain
water such that the protein powder is delivered into the water.
Subsequently, the impeller portion can be rotated and pumped up and
down throughout the main cup using the pump handle to drive the
pumping. The pumping a rotation of the impeller portion can cause
the protein powder to mix throughout the water to achieve an
efficacious dispersion of the protein powder throughout the
liquid.
[0038] Furthermore, the impeller portion comprises a set of
propeller blades and can be connected to a helical shaft portion
comprising a first helical strand and a second helical strand wound
uniformly in a parallel spiral configuration. Thus the propeller
blades can facilitate the efficacious mixing of the protein powder
and liquid. Also, the helical shaft, which comprises the two
helical strands twisted around one another, facilitates the
rotational spinning of the impeller portion such that the constant
upward, downward and rotating of the impeller throughout the main
cup causes the churning of the liquid and powder in such a way to
accomplish effective mixing. Also, in an aspect, a housing lid
portion is capable of interlocking to the main cup top to enclose
the main cup opening. The housing lid portion can provide a person
with drinking access to the contents within the main cup and can
also plug closed a drinking lip to prevent the contents within the
main cup from spilling. Furthermore, a clip handle located on the
lid portion can move along a hinge to facilitate carrying the
apparatus from one location to another by a user.
[0039] The above-outlined embodiments are now described in more
detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the
following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous
specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough
understanding of the embodiments. It may be evident, however, that
the embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In
other instances, well-known structures, apparatuses, and methods
are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing
the embodiments.
[0040] While in some illustrations the various components are
illustrated as separate components, it is noted that the various
components can be comprised of one or more other components.
Further, it is noted that the embodiments can comprise additional
components not shown for sake of brevity. Additionally, various
components described herein may be assembled to form one
apparatus.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 1, presented is a non-limiting example
embodiment of mixer bottle apparatus 100 configured to store and
mix substances. The various components of apparatus 100 and
apparatus 100 elements can be connected via screwing, snapping,
clasping, clipping, and other linking mechanisms. In an aspect,
illustrated is a main cup housing portion 5 comprising main cup
base 51 and a main cup top end 52, wherein the main cup housing
portion 5 is configured to contain a set of substances at a main
cup opening 53 located at the main cup top end 52.
[0042] In an aspect, the main cup housing portion 5 is a cup-like
container capable of receiving liquids, powders and solids for
containment. Within the housing portion 5 is where the mixing of
substances take place such as a liquid and powder. The top of the
housing portion referred to as the main cup top end 52 is capable
of connecting (e.g., via screwing) to the housing lid portion 6. In
an aspect, the housing portion 5 is capable of containing the
helical shaft portion 4 and the impeller portion 3 to facilitate
effective mixing of the substances contained within housing portion
5. Furthermore, in an aspect, the main cup housing portion 5 is the
central component of the mixer bottle 100. In an aspect, at the
main cup base 51, the funnel lid portion 2 connects (e.g., via a
screwing mechanism) and is capable of detaching as well from the
main cup portion 5.
[0043] In another aspect, apparatus 100A also comprises a
receptacle portion 1 configured to store a first subset of
substances of the set of substances, wherein the receptacle portion
1 is capable of interlocking to the main cup base 51, and wherein
the receptacle portion 1 comprises a funnel lid portion 2 at a
receptacle portion top end 54. The receptacle portion 1 comprises a
compartment capable of housing a first substance, such as a powder,
liquid, or solid (e.g., protein powder, baby formula, chia seeds,
etc.). The compartment can be detached in order to access the
substance and pouring such substance into the main cup housing
portion 5 for mixing.
[0044] In another aspect, the apparatus 100 comprises an impeller
portion 3 configured to rotate downward or upward within the main
cup housing portion 5, wherein a movement of the impeller portion 3
downward or upward is capable of mixing the contained set of
substances, wherein the impeller portion 3 comprises a set of
propeller blades, and wherein the impeller portion 3 is connected
to a helical shaft portion 4 comprising a first helical strand and
a second helical strand wound uniformly in a parallel spiral
configuration. In an aspect, the impeller portion 3 is designed to
rotate as it is pumped upward and downward through the main cup
housing portion 5.
[0045] The upward and downward rotating movement facilitates the
mixing of the substances (e.g., powder and liquid) within the main
cup housing portion 5. Thus the mixing of the substances occurs in
a uniform manner such that the composition of the mixing substance
evenly disperses the powder throughout the liquid. The impeller
portion 3 design includes numerous propeller blades built into the
impeller, where each propeller is slanted at an angle which results
in a productive mixing ability. Also, each blade overhangs from the
lower rim of the impeller circle such that the overhanging blades
(e.g., overhand region 24) can dislodge any built up material that
accumulates at the main cup base or edges of the main cup housing
portion 5.
[0046] The overhanging propeller blades (e.g., overhand region 24)
act as a gripping tool where the rotation of the impeller portion 3
combined with the narrow knife-like nature of the propeller blade
effectively removes built up debris and/or clumps of substances at
the main cup base 51. In yet another aspect, the impeller portion 3
is connected to a helical shaft portion 4. In an aspect, the
helical shaft portion 4 spirals as it is pumped up and down through
the housing lid portion 6 to facilitate the rotation of the
impeller portion 3. In yet another aspect, the housing lid portion
6 is capable of interlocking to the main cup top end 52 to enclose
the main cup opening 53. Also, the housing lid portion 6 further
comprises a drinking lid portion 7 and a pump handle (comprising a
right handle half 10 and a left handle half 9). The drinking lid
portion 7 facilitates the access (e.g., drinking through the lid)
to the mixed substances within the main cup portion 5. Also, the
pump handle is attached to the helical shaft portion 4 and can be
used to insert and retract the helical shaft portion 4 in and out
of the main cup housing portion 5.
[0047] In an aspect, apparatus 100A can be depicted from a side
view perspective. The apparatus 100A from a side view perspective
can allow for viewing of carrying clip portion 8, and pump handle
10. In an aspect, receptacle portion 1 is detachable from main cup
housing portion 5, funnel lid portion 2 is detachable from
receptacle portion 1, housing lid portion 6 is detachable from
housing portion 5, and drinking lid portion 7 is accessible through
a lid opening 34 that can be opened and closed. In another aspect,
the carrying clip portion 8 is attached to the housing lid portion
6 and is capable of being used for carrying (e.g., user can carry
apparatus 100 with a finger slung through the clip hole formed by
carrying clip portion 8 and the housing lid portion 6) the
apparatus.
[0048] Turning now to FIG. 2, illustrated is a non-limiting aspect
of apparatus 200 in accordance with various aspects and
implementations of this disclosure. In an aspect, apparatus 200
illustrates a top view of housing lid portion 6. In an aspect, the
housing lid portion 6 further comprises a drinking lid portion 7, a
carrying clip portion 8, and a pump handle 10, wherein the drinking
lid portion 7 is capable of snapping into a lid opening 11 within
the drinking lid portion 6, wherein the carrying clip portion 8 is
capable of rotating within a first ring hinge (e.g., left housing
lid hinge hole 35) and a second ring hinge (e.g., right housing lid
hinge hole 36) corresponding to the carrying clip portion 8, and
wherein the pump handle 10 comprises a first handle half 9 and a
second handle half 10 snapped around a top round peg portion 27 of
the helical shaft portion 4.
[0049] The housing lid portion 6 is capable of providing a roof to
main cup housing portion 5. As such, substances and other contents
within the main cup housing portion 5 can be contained and are
inhibited from spilling out of the top opening of the main cup
housing portion 5. The housing lid portion 6 is detachable from the
main cup housing portion 5 by a screwing and unscrewing mechanism.
Furthermore, the lid opening 34 is capable of opening and closing
via a snap mechanism such that a user can easily drink the contents
within the main cup housing portion 5 by unsnapping the drinking
lid to the lid opening 34 and drinking. In yet another aspect, the
pump handle 10 is accessible from the housing lid portion 6. The
pump handle 10 comprises two pieces interlocked together around a
top round peg portion 27 of the helical shaft portion 4.
[0050] In an aspect, the first handle half 9 of the pump handle 10
and the second handle half 15 of the pump handle snap together to
create a fully formed handle that facilitates the upward and
downward pumping of the helical shaft portion 27 and the impeller
portion 3. Furthermore, in an aspect, the round peg portion 27 is
an extension of the helical shaft portion 4 such that the helical
shaft portion 4 terminates at its top side in a spherical peg. The
bulbous portion of the spherical peg of top round peg portion 27
sits inside a cavity created by the snapping together of the pump
handle and the narrower neck region of the top round peg portion 27
also sits inside a narrower portion of the cavity. As such, the top
round peg portion 27 is captured within the cavity because the
bulbous peg portion cannot squeeze through the narrower cavity
portion of the pump handle. Thus the helical shaft portion 4 can
hang from the pump handle 10 and spin freely within the pump handle
cavity (e.g., first peg cast 30 and second peg cast 31).
[0051] For instance, in an aspect, the first handle half 9 and
second handle half 10, by snapping around the round peg portion 27
of the helical shaft portion 4, encases the round peg portion 27
but allows it to freely spin within the pump handle encasement
cavity (e.g., first peg cast 30 and second peg cast 31) formed by
the first handle half 9 and the second handle half 10. Furthermore,
in an aspect, the housing lid portion 6 comprises an opening with a
tracking that receives the helical shaft portion 4. The grooves of
the tracking within the opening (e.g., helical groove cavity 44) of
the housing lid portion 6 cause the helical shaft portion 4 to
rotate, which in turn causes the round peg portion 27 attached to
the helical shaft portion 4 to rotate within the peg handle
encasement cavity (e.g., first peg cast 30 and second peg cast 31).
As such, the impeller portion 3 attached to the helical shaft
portion 4 also rotates as it moves upward and downward through the
main cup housing portion 5. This mechanism facilitates the even
mixing of substances within the main cup housing portion 5 and the
pump handle allows a user to control the up and down motion of the
impeller portion 3 by pulling and pushing the pump handle 10.
[0052] Also illustrated is carrying clip portion 8 which is capable
of rotation on its hinges. A user can slide a finger through
carrying clip portion 8 to facilitate carrying apparatus 200 to
various locations. Furthermore, in an aspect, drinking lid portion
7 is snapable and can be opened and closed. Furthermore, lid
opening 11 is capable of receiving a funnel spout of funnel lid
portion 2 to facilitate easy pouring of substances (e.g., powders,
solids, or liquids) into the main cup housing portion 5.
[0053] Turning now to FIG. 3, illustrated is a non-limiting aspect
of apparatus 300 in accordance with various aspects and
implementations of this disclosure. In an aspect, illustrated is
receptacle portion 1 that further comprises a first receptacle
screw threading 12 and a second receptacle screw threading 13 that
circumscribe the receptacle portion top end 54. In an aspect,
receptacle portion 1 can screw onto and off of the base of the main
cup housing portion 5. Furthermore, receptacle portion 1 can store
substances within its cavity. In another aspect, receptacle portion
1 comprises a first receptacle screw threading 12 that
circumscribes the top end of the receptacle opening and a second
receptacle screw threading 13 that circumscribe the receptacle
portion top end 54 opening. The first receptacle screw threading 12
and second receptacle screw threading 13 facilitate the screwing
and unscrewing capability of the receptacle portion 1 to the main
cup base 51. In a non-limiting embodiment, the threading can
resemble grooves or protrusions circumscribing the main cup base
51.
[0054] Turning now to FIG. 3B, illustrated is a non-limiting aspect
of apparatus 300B in accordance with various aspects and
implementations of this disclosure. In an aspect, illustrated is a
side view of receptacle portion 1. Also illustrated is a side view
of second receptacle screw threading 13. The screw threading
circumscribes the receptacle portion top end 54 outer opening of
receptacle portion 1 and includes an angled circumscription around
the opening. For instance, the threading circumscribes the outer
opening of receptacle portion 1 starting at location 1 with
coordinates longitude A and latitude X on the outer opening and
snakes around the outer edge ending at location B and latitude Y,
where A, B, X, and Y are different numbers to indicate different
coordinates along the outer opening. As such, the threading can
snake around the outer edge opening starting at a higher point on
the outer edge and ending at a lower point along the outer
edge.
[0055] Turning now to FIG. 3C, illustrated is a non-limiting aspect
of apparatus 300C in accordance with various aspects and
implementations of this disclosure. In an aspect, illustrated is a
top view of receptacle portion 1. Also illustrated are first
receptacle screw threading 12 and second receptacle screw threading
13. In a non-limiting example embodiment, first receptacle screw
threading 12 and second receptacle screw threading 13 do not
overlap in its circumscription of the outer opening of receptacle
portion 1.
[0056] Turning now to FIG. 4, illustrated is a non-limiting aspect
of apparatus 400 in accordance with various aspects and
implementations of this disclosure. In an aspect, illustrated is a
side view of funnel lid portion 2. In another aspect, the funnel
lid portion 2 further comprises a gradient funnel wall 14 connected
to a funnel spout 11 at a top funnel wall end and connected to a
cylindrical base at a bottom funnel wall, wherein the gradient
funnel wall 14 comprises a first funnel tab 17 and a second funnel
tab 16 capable of interlocking with the main cup base, and wherein
the funnel spout 11 is configured to fit into the lid opening
34.
[0057] In an aspect, the funnel lid portion 2 is capable of acting
as a lid for the receptacle portion 1 such that the funnel lid
portion 2 can screw on or off of the top of the receptacle portion
1. The funnel lid portion 2 includes a funnel spout 11 protruding
from the gradient funnel wall 14 of the funnel lid portion 2. The
funnel spout 11 is capable of fitting into the lid opening 34 to
generate a funnel capable of transporting substances into the main
housing cup portion 5 without making a mess or spilling any of the
substance. In another aspect, the gradient funnel wall 14 is a
sloping wall attached to the funnel spout 11. The funnel lid
portion 2 can connect at its base to receptacle portion 1 and can
connect at the top portion to the main cup housing portion 5 via
threading that allows for screwing to each respective portion.
[0058] In an aspect, the first funnel tab 17 and the second funnel
tab 16 are threading that facilitates the screwing of the funnel
lid portion 2 to the main cup housing portion 5. Furthermore, also
illustrated are the gradient funnel wall 14 and the funnel spout
11. The gradient funnel wall 14 can slope downward from the funnel
spout 15 until reaching the base of the funnel lid portion 2 and
then attach at the base.
[0059] Turning now to FIG. 5A, illustrated is a non-limiting aspect
of apparatus 500A in accordance with various aspects and
implementations of this disclosure. In an aspect, the main cup
housing portion 5 further comprises a main cup lip portion 22, a
main cup threading (first cup threading 20, second cup threading
21, etc.), an overhanging cylindrical wall portion 65, a left
receiving notch, and a right receiving notch, wherein the main cup
lip portion 22 is located near the main cup top end below the main
cup threading that circumscribes the main cup above the main cup
lip portion 22, wherein the overhanging cylindrical wall portion 65
comprises the left receiving notch 18 and the right receiving notch
19 on a bottom rim of the cylindrical wall portion, and wherein the
left receiving notch 18 and the right receiving notch 19 are
configured to interlock with the first funnel tab 17.
[0060] In an aspect, the main cup lip portion 22 is an extension of
the main cup housing portion 5 and extends beyond the upper portion
of the main cup housing portion 5 in order to form a ledge.
Furthermore, in an aspect, the first cup threading 20 and the
second cup threading 21 circumscribe the upper portion of the main
cup thus facilitating a screwing of the housing lid portion 6 to
the main cup housing portion 5. The left receiving notch 18 and the
right receiving notch 19 are also grooved threading that
circumscribe the lower portion of the main cup housing portion 5
therefore facilitating the screwing on or off of the receptacle
portion 1 to the main cup housing portion 5. In another
non-limiting embodiment, instead of threading, apparatus 500A can
employ tabs to facilitate interlocking of the receptacle portion 1
and the housing lid portion 6 to the main cup housing portion 5
respectively.
[0061] Turning now to FIG. 5B, illustrated is a non-limiting aspect
of apparatus 500B in accordance with various aspects and
implementations of this disclosure. In an aspect, illustrated is a
side view of main cup housing portion 5. The main cup housing
portion 5 comprises the first cup threading 20 and the second cup
threading 21 that circumscribe the upper portion of the main cup
thus facilitating a screwing of the housing lid portion 6 to the
main cup housing portion 5. Furthermore, in an aspect, also
illustrated is main cup lip portion 22 and the left receiving notch
18.
[0062] Turning now to FIG. 6, illustrated is a non-limiting aspect
of apparatus 600 in accordance with various aspects and
implementations of this disclosure. In an aspect, illustrated is an
impeller portion 3, a helical shaft portion 4, a first handle half
9, and a second handle half 10. In an aspect, the impeller portion
3 is configured to rotate downward or upward within the main cup
housing portion 5, wherein a movement of the impeller portion 3
downward or upward is capable of mixing the contained set of
substances, wherein the impeller portion 3 comprises a set of
propeller blades, and wherein the impeller portion 3 is connected
to a helical shaft portion 4 comprising a first helical strand and
a second helical strand wound uniformly in in a parallel spiral
configuration.
[0063] In an aspect, the helical shaft portion 4 comprises a first
helical strand wound around a second helical strand. The helix
design and shape allows for the spinning of the helical shaft
portion 4 as its guided through a grooved opening in the housing
lid portion 6. The grooved opening causes the helical shaft portion
4 to rotate as it is drawn upward and pushed downward out of and
into the grooved opening respectively. Furthermore, the helical
shaft portion 4 is connected to the impeller portion 3 thereby
causing the impeller to rotate as well. The first handle half 9,
and a second handle half 10 snap together around a top round peg
portion 27 of the helical shaft portion 4 to allow for the rotating
of the helical shaft and the spherical ball within the pump handle.
In another aspect, a rubber shell can be included to cover the pump
handle. Furthermore, the rubber shell can seal a set of pressurized
release holes located in the housing lid portion 6. Thus when the
pump handle is fully pushed down in the main cup housing portion 5
can seal the pressurized release holes.
[0064] Turning now to FIG. 6, illustrated is a non-limiting aspect
of apparatus 600 in accordance with various aspects and
implementations of this disclosure. In an aspect, disclosed are a
first handle half 9, a second handle half 10, a helical shaft
portion 4, a set of propeller blades 23, and an impeller portion 3.
In an aspect, the impeller portion 3 comprises the set of propeller
blades 23 radiating outward from a central impeller opening
configured to receive a bottom shaft end of the helical shaft
portion 4, wherein the bottom shaft end comprises a first snapping
prong and a second snapping prong configured to connect to the
central impeller opening using a snapping (e.g., using prong
portion 26) mechanism, and wherein the set of propeller blades 23
are sloping at an angle between a lower impeller rim and an upper
impeller rim, and wherein the set of propeller blades 23 overhang
from the lower impeller rim 64.
[0065] In an aspect, the propeller blades 23 are angled fan-like
propellers that are connected to the lower impeller rim and the
upper impeller rim. The propeller blade of the set of propeller
blades 23 start at a connection point on the upper rim of the
impeller rim and connect at a connector point at a different
location on the lower impeller rim (e.g., the point on the upper
impeller rim 64 and the lower impeller rim 66 where the blades
connect to the respective impeller rims are not along the same
longitudinal axis). The connection at different locations on each
respective rim allows for each propeller blade to be tilted at an
angle. Consequently, when the propeller blades contact the
substances (e.g., liquid and powder substances) within the main cup
housing portion 5, an increased surface area of the blades are able
to contact such substances and cause the substances to pass over
such blades.
[0066] Furthermore, in an aspect, the set of propeller blades 23
rotate as a result of the helical shaft portion 4 and impeller
portion 3 rotating (e.g., during an upward and downward pumping of
the pump handle). The rotational action of the impeller portion 3
cause the set of propeller blades 23 to create a vortex or pushing
and pulling forces that facilitate the churning of the substances
(e.g., liquid and powder mixtures) within the main cup housing
portion 5 thus resulting in a mixing of the substances. The set of
propeller blades 23 efficaciously mix the substances within the
main cup housing portion 5 in that the rotation of the blades
create a torque throughout the substances in the main cup housing
portion 5 that constantly mixes the substances such as liquids and
powders together.
[0067] Also, in an aspect, the impeller portion 3 moves up and down
throughout the main cup housing portion 5 and therefore interfaces
with the substances all throughout the main cup housing portion 5
(e.g., at the top of the cup cavity, at the middle of the cup
cavity, at the base of the cup cavity, etc.). Furthermore, in an
aspect, each blade and the impeller portion 3 interface with the
entire substance throughout the main cup housing portion 5, where
the up and down motion throughout the cup cavity causes the mixing
unit (e.g., impeller portion 4 and set of propeller blades 23) to
move through the substances layer by layer allowing for a higher
level of mixing performance. Thus a powdered substance can evenly
disburse throughout a liquid substance without giving rise to
clumps.
[0068] Turning now to FIG. 7, illustrated is a non-limiting aspect
of apparatus 700 in accordance with various aspects and
implementations of this disclosure. In an aspect, impeller portion
3 is illustrated. Furthermore, also illustrated is the overhang
region 24 of the propeller blades. In an aspect, the propeller
blades each extend beyond the lower rim of the impeller portion 3
such that the lower region of the propeller blade is protruding. As
such, when the impeller portion 3 is pushed downward (e.g., to the
bottom of the main cup housing portion 5) to the base of the main
cup housing portion 5, the overhang region 24 can touch the base of
the main cup portion 5. The overhang regions 24 of the propeller
blades touch the base of the main cup housing portion 5 and
accordingly dislodge any clumps and built up substance or matter on
the base. This aspect of apparatus 700A further allows for all the
substance to mix properly and facilitates easier cleaning of the
apparatus due to less substance sticking to the interior of the
main cup housing portion 5.
[0069] In an aspect, impeller portion 3 comprises a set of
propeller blades 23 and an impeller opening 25 designed to receive
the lower end of the helical shaft portion 4. In an aspect, the
helical shaft portion 4 terminates into two prongs that snap into
the impeller opening 25. As such, the two prongs (e.g., prong
portion 26) push closer together in order to fit into the impeller
opening 25 and also the two prongs can expand after passing through
impeller opening 25 to fasten to the impeller portion 3 to the
helical shaft portion 4.
[0070] Referring now to FIG. 8, illustrated is a non-limiting
aspect of apparatus 800 in accordance with various aspects and
implementations of this disclosure. In an aspect, illustrated is a
non-limiting example embodiment of a helical shaft portion 4
comprising a top round peg portion 27 and prong portion 26. In an
aspect, top round peg portion 27 is capable of sitting within a
cavity formed by the first handle half 9 and the second handle half
10. The top peg portion 27 can freely rotate within the pump handle
cavity thus allowing the helical shaft portion 4 to rotate freely
as well as the impeller portion 3 connected by the prong portion 26
which clips into the impeller opening 25.
[0071] Referring now to FIG. 9, illustrated is a non-limiting
aspect of apparatus 900 in accordance with various aspects and
implementations of this disclosure. In an aspect, illustrated is a
top view of the pump handle 10 comprising a first handle half 9 and
a second handle half 10. In an aspect, the pump handle 10 can
comprise a design such as the "T" symbol illustrated in FIG. 9.
[0072] Referring now to FIG. 10, illustrated is a non-limiting
aspect of apparatus 1000 in accordance with various aspects and
implementations of this disclosure. Illustrated is a first handle
half 9. In an aspect, the first handle half 9 comprises a first
receiving cavity 28 and a first clasping protrusion 29 and the
second handle half 15 comprises a second clasping protrusion 32 and
a second receiving cavity 33, wherein the first clasping protrusion
is configured to snap into the second receiving cavity 33 and the
second clasping protrusion 32 is configured to snap into the first
receiving cavity 28. Thus the first handle half 9 and the second
handle half 15 snap together to form pump handle 10. In an aspect,
the first handle half 9 further comprises a first peg cast 30 and
the second handle half 10 comprises a second peg cast 31, and
wherein the first peg cast 30 and the second peg cast 31 are
configured to encapsulate the top round peg portion 27 of the
helical shaft portion 4. In an aspect, the first peg cast 30 and
the second peg cast 31 are snapped together around the top round
peg portion 27 and allow for the full three hundred sixty-degree
rotation of the top round peg portion 27 within the cavity formed
by the snapped together first peg cast 30 and second peg cast
31.
[0073] Also, the clasping protrusions and receiving cavities fasten
together the first handle half 9 and the second handle half 15
together. Thus, each clasping protrusion or a respective handle
half is aligned with a complimentary receiving cavity on the
opposite handle half and allows for a snapping fastening mechanism
to hold them together. This fastens the two sides together such
that the first peg cast 30 and the second peg cast 31 securely
cradle the top round peg portion 27.
[0074] Referring now to FIG. 11, illustrated is a non-limiting
aspect of apparatus 1100 in accordance with various aspects and
implementations of this disclosure. Illustrated is an angled side
view of second handle half 10 comprising second clasping protrusion
32 and second receiving cavity 33. In an aspect, the second handle
half 15 is capable of snapping into the first handle half 9 by
snapping second clasping protrusion 32 into first receiving hole 28
and snapping first clasping protrusion 29 into second receiving
cavity 33. Such snapping of each respective clasp into each
respective cavity fastens the first handle half 9 and the second
handle half 15 together as well as the first peg cast 30 and the
second peg cast 31 around the top round peg portion 27.
[0075] Referring now to FIG. 12A, illustrated is a non-limiting
aspect of apparatus 1200A in accordance with various aspects and
implementations of this disclosure. In an aspect, illustrated is a
housing lid portion 6. The housing lid portion 6 comprises a left
housing lid hinge hole 35, a right housing lid hinge hole 36, a
helically grooved cavity 44, a drinking lip 62, a housing lid
opening 45, and a set of housing lid threading 38, wherein the left
housing lid hinge hole 35 and the right housing lid hinge hole 36
are configured to receive a right latch peg 47 and a left latch peg
56 associated with a carrying clip handle 8, wherein the helically
grooved cavity 40 is configured to circumscribe the helical stem
portion 4 and facilitate the helical stem portion 4 to move up and
down within the helically grooved cavity 44, wherein the housing
lid opening 45 is capable of facilitating access to the set of
substances within the main cup housing portion 5, and wherein the
housing lid threading 38 is located at a housing lid underside and
facilitates the housing lid portion 6 to interlock to the main cup
top end 52 via a screwing mechanism.
[0076] In an aspect, the housing lid portion 6 is capable of
screwing on and off of the main cup housing portion 5. Furthermore,
in an aspect, the drinking lip 62 allows for a user to easily drink
the contents of the main cup housing portion 5 by passing the
contents such as mixed substances through the drinking lip 39.
Also, the helical grooved cavity 44 is an opening that allows for
the receipt of the helical shaft portion 4. The helical grooved
cavity 44 is molded to fit the twisting design of the helical shaft
portion 4, such that as the helical shaft portion 4 is moved into
and out of the (e.g., up and down through the helical grooved
cavity 44) helical grooved cavity 44 it twists and rotates
according to its curvature. Thus, the helical grooved cavity 44
induces the helical shaft portion 4 to rotate as it moves through
the helical grooved cavity 44.
[0077] Additionally, the rotation of the helical shaft portion 4
also causes the top round peg portion 27 to rotate within the first
peg cast 30 and the second peg cast 31 as well as the impeller
portion 3 connected to the helical shaft portion 4. Also, in an
aspect, the left housing lid hinge hole 35 and the right housing
lid hinge hole 36 are cavities configured to receive the housing
lid plug latch which is configured to plug closed (and is capable
of exposing the opening) the drinking lip 39. Furthermore, in an
aspect, the housing lid plug latch can swing open and shut on via
the left housing hinge hole 41 and the right housing hinge hole
36.
[0078] Turning now to FIG. 12B, illustrated is a non-limiting
embodiment of apparatus 1200B in accordance with various aspects
and implementations of this disclosure. In an aspect, disclosed is
a bottom view of the underside of housing lid portion 6 comprising
a housing lid opening 45, a helical grooved cavity 44, and a set of
housing lid threading 38. In an aspect, the housing lid threading
can comprise grooves that circumscribe the inner rim of the
underside of housing lid portion 6. The threading facilitates the
screwing and unscrewing of the housing lid portion 6 onto the main
cup housing portion 5 top end. In another aspect, the housing lid
opening 45 allows contents of main cup housing portion 5 to pass
through to a user. However, if the drinking lip 62 is plugged
closed then the contents of main cup housing portion 5 will be
prevented from flowing past the plug 58.
[0079] Turning now to FIG. 13A, illustrated is a non-limiting
embodiment of apparatus 1300A in accordance with various aspects
and implementations of this disclosure. In an aspect, disclosed is
a housing lid plug latch 1300A comprises a plug 58, the left latch
peg 56, the right latch peg 47, a left latch groove 48, and a right
latch groove 57, wherein the plug 58 is capable of sealing the
housing lid opening 45 or exposing the housing lid opening 45 to
facilitate access to the set of substances within the main cup
housing portion 5, wherein the left latch peg 56 and the right
latch peg 47 are configured to snap into the left housing lid hinge
hole 41 and the right housing lid hinge hole 61, and wherein the
left latch groove 48 and the right latch groove 57 are configured
to receive a right clip peg 49 and a left clip peg 60 of the
carrying clip portion 8.
[0080] In an aspect, the carrying clip portion 8 can swing freely
within the left latch groove 48 and right latch groove 57. The
right clip peg 49 clips into the right latch groove 57 and the left
clip peg 60 clips into the left latch groove 48 to allow for the
carrying clip portion 8 to swing within the hinges and for a user
to carry the apparatus by the clip handle (e.g., using a finger or
a few fingers). In another aspect, the housing lid plug latch
itself can swing on its hinges (e.g., right latch peg 47 and left
latch peg 56) clipped into latch grooves (e.g., left latch groove
48 and right latch groove 57). Thus the housing lid plug latch can
be swung closed such that the plug 58 can act as a stopper to the
housing lid opening 45 thus preventing any contents of main cup
housing portion 5 from exiting beyond the housing lid plug latch.
Also, the housing lid plug latch can be swing open to facilitate a
user access to the contents within the main cup housing portion 5.
For instance, a user can unplug the housing lid plug latch and
drink the contents within main cup housing portion 5 using the
drinking lip 39.
[0081] In yet another instance, the housing lid plug latch can be
closed while a user pumps the pump handle up and down to facilitate
mixing of the substances within the main cup housing portion 5.
Furthermore, during pumping, air can be released through pressure
release holes located in the housing lid plug latch which
facilitate pressurization and depressurization of air pressure
within the main cup housing portion 5 during the pumping. In
another aspect, a rubber stopper can be located at the base of the
pump handle to allow for the closing of the pressure release holes
when the pump handle 10 is fully pushed downward into the housing
lid plug latch.
[0082] Turning now to FIG. 13B, illustrated is a non-limiting
embodiment of apparatus 1300B in accordance with various aspects
and implementations of this disclosure. In an aspect, illustrated
is an underside view of housing lid plug latch 1300B comprising a
plug 58, the left latch peg 56, the right latch peg 47, a left
latch groove 48, and a right latch groove 57. In an aspect, the
plug 58 can be clasped into the drinking lip 62 to close off the
opening to the main cup housing portion 5 and prevent the contents
of the main cup housing portion 5 from spilling. Furthermore, the
left latch groove 48 and right latch groove 57 are capable of
receiving a left clip peg 60 and a right clip peg 49 respectively.
Thus the carrying clip portion 8 can swing freely along the hinge
formed by each clip peg within each latch groove.
[0083] Turning now to FIG. 14, illustrated is a non-limiting
embodiment of apparatus 1400 in accordance with various aspects and
implementations of this disclosure. In an aspect, illustrated is a
clip portion 8 capable of being used to carry the apparatus 1400
using a hand, finger, or set of fingers. The carrying clip handle
includes a right clip peg 49 and a left clip peg 60. In an aspect,
the left latch groove 48 and the right latch groove 57 are
configured to receive a right clip peg 49 and a left clip peg 60 of
the carrying clip portion 8.
[0084] In a non-limiting embodiment, all of the portions can be
combined to form the apparatus. For instance, the apparatus can
comprise the main cup housing portion 5 with a screwed on housing
lid portion 6 (e.g., attached at the main cup top end 52) and a
screwed on receptacle portion 1 (attached at the receptacle portion
top end 54 and the main cup base 51). Furthermore, the apparatus
can comprise the helical shaft portion 4 attached to the impeller
portion 3 via a snapping prong portion 26. The helical shaft
portion 4 can also be attached to the pump handle 28 at the top
round peg portion 27, where the top round peg portion 27 is encased
by a cavity formed within the first peg cast 35 and the second peg
cast 55 snapped together. The first handle half 9 and the second
handle half 15 can be snapped together using a first clasping
protrusion 29 and a second clasping protrusion 32 snapped into a
second receiving cavity 28, and a second receiving cavity 33.
[0085] Furthermore, in an aspect, the impeller portion 3 can
comprise a set of propeller blades 23, an overhang region 24 to
facilitate dislodging of debris formed at the main cup base 51 and
a helically grooved cavity 40 configured to receive the snapping
prong portion 26. In another aspect, the housing lid portion 6 can
comprise a pump handle 10 attached to the helical shaft portion 4.
The housing lid portion 6 can also include a lid opening 11 that
can be plugged by a plug 58. Also the housing lid portion 6 can
comprise a drinking lip 62 to drink the contents of the main cup
housing portion 5 out of. Furthermore, in an aspect, the housing
lid portion 6 can comprise a carrying clip portion 8 to facilitate
the carrying of the apparatus.
[0086] Also, the receptacle portion 1 can be used for storing
substances such as powders within its receptacle compartment. The
top of the receptacle portion 1 can be covered by a funnel lid
portion 2 that includes a gradient funnel wall 14, a funnel spout
11 and a first funnel tab 17 as well as second funnel tab 16 to
connect the receptacle portion 1 and funnel lid portion 2 to the
main cup base 51. Furthermore, in an aspect, the funnel lid portion
2 can be detached from the receptacle portion 1 and inserted at the
funnel spout 15 into the drinking lip 62 to facilitate the clean
and efficient pouring of items (including the contents within the
receptacle portion 1) into the main cup housing portion 5.
[0087] FIGS. 15-19 illustrate various methodologies in accordance
with certain embodiments of this disclosure. While, for purposes of
simplicity of explanation, the methodologies are shown media a
series of acts within the context of various flowcharts, it is to
be understood and appreciated that embodiments of the disclosure
are not limited by the order of acts, as some acts may occur in
different orders and/or concurrently with other acts from that
shown and described herein. For example, those skilled in the art
will understand and appreciate that a methodology can alternatively
be represented as a series of interrelated states or events, such
as in a state diagram. Moreover, not all illustrated acts may be
required to implement a methodology in accordance with the
disclosed subject matter. Additionally, it is to be further
appreciated that the methodologies disclosed hereinafter and
throughout this disclosure are capable of being implemented by an
apparatus as disclosed herein. It is noted that the methods
depicted in FIGS. 15-19 can be performed by various apparatus's
disclosed herein, such as apparatus 100A, 100B, 200, 300A, 300B,
300C, 400A, 400B, 500A, 500B, 600A, 600B, 700A, 700B, 700C, 800,
900A, 900B 1000A, 1000B 1100, 1200A, 1200B, 1300A, 1300B and
1400.
[0088] FIG. 15 provides an example method 1500 for storing and
mixing substances in accordance with aspects and embodiments
described herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed
in system and methods disclosed herein is omitted for sake of
brevity.
[0089] At 1502, a pump handle (e.g., using pump handle 28) of an
apparatus is pumped up and down within a main cup housing portion
(e.g., using main cup housing portion 5), wherein the pump handle
(e.g., using pump handle 28) is connected to an impeller portion
(e.g., using impeller portion 3) by a helical shaft (e.g., using
helical shaft portion 4), and wherein the impeller portion
comprises a set of angled propeller blades (e.g., using the set of
propeller blades 23) that overhang (e.g., using overhang region 24)
beyond a lower rim element of the impeller portion. At 1504, a set
of substances are mixed (e.g., using impeller portion 3) within the
main cup housing portion based on the up and down movement (e.g.,
using pump handle 28) of the impeller portion.
[0090] FIG. 16 provides an example method 1600 for storing and
mixing substances in accordance with aspects and embodiments
described herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed
in system and methods disclosed herein is omitted for sake of
brevity.
[0091] At 1602, a pump handle (e.g., using pump handle 28) of an
apparatus is pumped up and down within a main cup housing portion
(e.g., using main cup housing portion 5), wherein the pump handle
(e.g., using pump handle 28) is connected to an impeller portion
(e.g., using impeller portion 3) by a helical shaft (e.g., using
helical shaft portion 4), and wherein the impeller portion
comprises a set of angled propeller blades (e.g., using the set of
propeller blades 23) that overhang (e.g., using overhang region 24)
beyond a lower rim element of the impeller portion.
[0092] At 1604, the helical shaft connected to the impeller portion
within a helically grooved cavity is rotated (e.g., using pump
handle 28 to push and pull the helical shaft portion 4 up and
down), wherein the helical shaft is connected to the pump handle by
a top round peg portion that freely spins within a first half peg
cast and a second half peg cast of the pump handle. At 1606, a set
of substances are mixed (e.g., using impeller portion 3) within the
main cup housing portion based on the up and down movement (e.g.,
using pump handle 28) of the impeller portion.
[0093] FIG. 17 provides an example method 1700 for storing and
mixing substances in accordance with aspects and embodiments
described herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed
in system and methods disclosed herein is omitted for sake of
brevity.
[0094] At 1702, a pump handle (e.g., using pump handle 28) of an
apparatus is pumped up and down within a main cup housing portion
(e.g., using main cup housing portion 5), wherein the pump handle
(e.g., using pump handle 28) is connected to an impeller portion
(e.g., using impeller portion 3) by a helical shaft (e.g., using
helical shaft portion 4), and wherein the impeller portion
comprises a set of angled propeller blades (e.g., using the set of
propeller blades 23) that overhang (e.g., using overhang region 24)
beyond a lower rim element of the impeller portion.
[0095] At 1704, the helical shaft connected to the impeller portion
within a helically grooved cavity is rotated (e.g., using pump
handle 28 to push and pull the helical shaft portion 4 up and
down), wherein the helical shaft is connected to the pump handle by
a top round peg portion that freely spins within a first half peg
cast and a second half peg cast of the pump handle. At 1706, a set
of substances are mixed (e.g., using impeller portion 3) within the
main cup housing portion based on the up and down movement (e.g.,
using pump handle 28) of the impeller portion. At 1708, the set of
angled propeller blades that overhang beyond the lower rim element
dislodge (e.g., using the set of propeller blades 23 at the
overhang region 24) a first subset of substances of the set of
substances from a set of corners formed at a main cup base and a
main cup cylindrical wall of the main cup housing.
[0096] FIG. 18 provides an example method 1800 for storing and
mixing substances in accordance with aspects and embodiments
described herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed
in system and methods disclosed herein is omitted for sake of
brevity.
[0097] At 1802, a receptacle portion connected to a funnel lid
portion of the apparatus is unscrewed from underneath a main cup
base. At 1804, a pump handle (e.g., using pump handle 28) of an
apparatus is pumped up and down within a main cup housing portion
(e.g., using main cup housing portion 5), wherein the pump handle
(e.g., using pump handle 28) is connected to an impeller portion
(e.g., using impeller portion 3) by a helical shaft (e.g., using
helical shaft portion 4), and wherein the impeller portion
comprises a set of angled propeller blades (e.g., using the set of
propeller blades 23) that overhang (e.g., using overhang region 24)
beyond a lower rim element of the impeller portion.
[0098] At 1806, the helical shaft connected to the impeller portion
within a helically grooved cavity is rotated (e.g., using pump
handle 28 to push and pull the helical shaft portion 4 up and
down), wherein the helical shaft is connected to the pump handle by
a top round peg portion that freely spins within a first half peg
cast and a second half peg cast of the pump handle. At 1808, a set
of substances are mixed (e.g., using impeller portion 3) within the
main cup housing portion based on the up and down movement (e.g.,
using pump handle 28) of the impeller portion. At 1810, the set of
angled propeller blades that overhang beyond the lower rim element
dislodge (e.g., using the set of propeller blades 23 at the
overhang region 24) a first subset of substances of the set of
substances from a set of corners formed at a main cup base and a
main cup cylindrical wall of the main cup housing.
[0099] FIG. 19 provides an example method 1900 for storing and
mixing substances in accordance with aspects and embodiments
described herein. Repetitive description of like elements employed
in system and methods disclosed herein is omitted for sake of
brevity.
[0100] At 1902, a receptacle portion connected to a funnel lid
portion of the apparatus is unscrewed from underneath a main cup
base. At 1904, a funnel element of a funnel lid portion of the
apparatus is inserted within a drinking lip portion of the
apparatus. At 1906, a pump handle (e.g., using pump handle 28) of
an apparatus is pumped up and down within a main cup housing
portion (e.g., using main cup housing portion 5), wherein the pump
handle (e.g., using pump handle 28) is connected to an impeller
portion (e.g., using impeller portion 3) by a helical shaft (e.g.,
using helical shaft portion 4), and wherein the impeller portion
comprises a set of angled propeller blades (e.g., using the set of
propeller blades 23) that overhang (e.g., using overhang region 24)
beyond a lower rim element of the impeller portion.
[0101] At 1908, the helical shaft connected to the impeller portion
within a helically grooved cavity is rotated (e.g., using pump
handle 28 to push and pull the helical shaft portion 4 up and
down), wherein the helical shaft is connected to the pump handle by
a top round peg portion that freely spins within a first half peg
cast and a second half peg cast of the pump handle. At 1910, a set
of substances are mixed (e.g., using impeller portion 3) within the
main cup housing portion based on the up and down movement (e.g.,
using pump handle 28) of the impeller portion. At 1912, the set of
angled propeller blades that overhang beyond the lower rim element
dislodge (e.g., using the set of propeller blades 23 at the
overhang region 24) a first subset of substances of the set of
substances from a set of corners formed at a main cup base and a
main cup cylindrical wall of the main cup housing.
[0102] In view of the exemplary systems described above,
methodologies that may be implemented in accordance with the
described subject matter will be better appreciated with reference
to the flowcharts of the various figures. For simplicity of
explanation, the methodologies are depicted and described as a
series of acts. However, acts in accordance with this disclosure
can occur in various orders and/or concurrently, and with other
acts not presented and described in this disclosure. Furthermore,
not all illustrated acts may be required to implement the
methodologies in accordance with certain aspects of this
disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand
and appreciate that the methodologies could alternatively be
represented as a series of interrelated states via a state diagram
or events. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the
methodologies disclosed in this disclosure are capable of being
implemented in connection with an apparatus disclosed herein.
* * * * *